Rector's Message August 2010

My Brothers & Sisters,

Here we are, already at the beginning of August. This summer seems to have simply flown by! We've certainly been blessed with glorious weather which has given us great cause for rousing celebrations on July 4th, and has amply contributed to the garden "bumper crops" now readying for harvest.

It has been a busy time for me, personally, with a lot of work being done at my home. Rather than vacationing this year, I opted to make some improvements to come to reality, bringing a new look and feel to an already very comfortable setting. This summer has had its low ebbs, as well. I had the sad duty of laying to rest a close friend and a grand-niece, one of twins born prematurely. Thankfully, her sister is gaining strength daily in the capable hands of the Neonatal staff at Inova Hospital, in Falls Church, Virginia.

It is times like these that bring to mind the comforting words of St. Paul, written to the Christians in Galatia: "May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters." We look, too, to the fruits of the Spirit to also sustain us: love; peace; patience; kindness; generosity; faithfulness; and self-control. As we follow the path of Our Lord Jesus Christ, living our lives in the light of his charge that we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our minds, and with all our souls, love our neighbors as ourselves, and keep the Commandments, we shall reap a harvest of righteousness that has surely been sown in peace.

The essentials of our faith reinforce the powerful message offered by the Summary of the Law, as we are called to take risks for the sake of the Gospel; care for our neighbors as ourselves, recognizing that includes everyone, everywhere; give ourselves for the good of others; give with no strings attached; provide for those in need, without question; love all peoples, even those who may be different from ourselves; and treat all strangers as if they were the Christ himself. 

All these help fortify us and keep us on the right path and serve to make us instruments of God's love and peace, always, and in all ways. It is my sincere hope that all of your summers have been productive, thus far. May you all be well-blessed with the fruits of the Spirit as your journeys in Christ continue.

With Peace and Blessings,
Father Dan⁺